Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider Highlights 'Fairly Obvious' Need Ahead of NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks have seen multiple starting offensive linemen leave in free agency, and general manager John Schneider recognizes the need for reinforcements over the coming weeks.

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks offensive line will be getting a serious shake up next season as multiple starters left via free agency, leaving Geno Smith's protection with several holes that need addressing.

Guards Damien Lewis (Panthers) and Evan Brown (Cardinals) walked out the door with Cleveland's Nick Harris and Los Angeles Rams' Tremayne Anchrum coming in for depth.

In a season where new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will want to hit the ground running in his first year in the job, keeping Smith upright is the key to Seattle amounting to anything substantial.

Luckily, general manager John Schneider knows the glaring weaknesses along the offensive line and states that the franchise has plans to reinforce it through the second wave of free agency.

Dec 24, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72). / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

"We're going to be bringing a couple of veteran offensive linemen through in this second phase of free agency, and then comparing that to what the draft looks like," Schneider said on Seattle Sports 710, via the team website. "That is a need on our team right now, I think it's fairly obvious."

Injuries to stars Charles Cross and Abe Lucas last season had the offensive line in flux. Shane Waldron had to figure out different combinations that could best serve the offense in what was a less-than-ideal situation to have during the season.

While the Seahawks offense didn't hit the heights it did in 2022 last season, Geno was still protected relatively well, only being sacked 31 times compared to 46 in 2022. So, there was improvement in that area, but depth was a big issue last season.

Still with many free agent linemen available, coupled with the high number of quality lineman in the upcoming draft, the Seahawks could, in theory, get the replacements they crave.

Grubb will no doubt have an idea of how he wants his line to play given his want to have a more pass-oriented offensive scheme. That will only work if Geno is allowed time in the pocket to throw.

With Cross and Lucas the bookends at tackle, the Seahawks need some interior help. The front office clearly recognizes the problem with the roster right now and seems hellbent on getting it sorted out sooner rather than later.